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Best Credit Cards for Purchase Protection (2024)
December 12, 2024
In an era of online shopping and frequent purchases, having a safety net for your buys is crucial. Enter purchase protection, a credit card benefit that typically covers items bought with the card against damage or theft for a limited time after purchase. If your new laptop gets stolen or your new phone screen cracks within the coverage period, you might be eligible for reimbursement. Let's explore the best credit cards offering the best purchase protection in 2024.
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Best for: Luxury Travelers
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a robust purchase protection benefit, making it a top choice for folks seeking peace of mind with their purchases. This premium card provides coverage for eligible items against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from the date of purchase. The protection extends to a generous $10,000 per occurrence, with a maximum of $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. This coverage stands out for its high per-item and annual limits, potentially offering more comprehensive protection than many competing cards. Additionally, the Amex Platinum's purchase protection notably includes coverage for lost items, a feature not commonly found in other cards' policies. (see rates & fees).
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
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Best For: Streamlined Travel Rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers purchase protection for eligible items purchased within 90 days of purchase. The protection covers up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder. If an item is damaged or stolen, Capital One can replace, repair, or reimburse the item. The protection may also cover gifts purchased for friends and family using the card. (see rates & fees).
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Best For: Travel Benefits
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a competitive purchase protection benefit, enhancing its appeal for those who prioritize safeguarding their purchases. This premium travel card provides coverage against damage or theft for eligible items for 90 days from the date of purchase. The protection extends up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year, matching the coverage limits of some of the most generous cards available. This benefit can be particularly valuable for travelers who make significant purchases while abroad, as it complements the card's extensive travel insurance offerings. (see rates & fees).
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Best for: Travel and Dining Rewards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides excellent coverage against damage or theft for eligible items for 120 days from the date of purchase. This is one of the longest coverage periods in the credit card market. The protection extends up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account, which, while not the highest limits available, still offers substantial coverage for most everyday purchases.
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Best for: Foodies
The American Express® Gold Card provides substantial coverage against accidental damage or theft for eligible items for 90 days from the date of purchase. The protection extends up to $10,000 per occurrence, with a generous annual limit of $50,000 per card account. This level of coverage positions the Amex Gold among the top-tier cards for purchase protection. Notably, the benefit includes coverage for lost items, a feature not commonly found in many other cards' policies (see rates & fees).
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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Best for: Business Travelers
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a substantial purchase protection benefit, making it a standout choice for business owners seeking to safeguard their purchases. As of 2024, this versatile business card provides coverage against damage or theft for eligible items for an impressive 120 days from the date of purchase, one of the longest coverage periods in the market. The protection extends up to $10,000 per claim, with a maximum of $50,000 per account per year, positioning it among the most comprehensive coverage options available for business cards.
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Best for: Cash Back without a Fee
The Chase Freedom Flex® offers an impressive purchase protection benefit, especially considering its no-annual-fee status. As of 2024, this versatile cashback card provides coverage against damage or theft for eligible items for an exceptional 120 days from the date of purchase, a duration that rivals many premium cards. The protection extends up to $500 per claim, with a maximum of $50,000 per account per year. While these limits are lower than some high-end cards, they're substantial for a no-fee offering and adequate for most everyday purchases.
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Comparing the Best Credit Cards for Purchase Protection (2024)
The American Express Platinum and Capital One Venture X typically offer similar purchase protection benefits, covering eligible items against damage or theft for 90 days from purchase, with limits up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account annually. The Capital One Venture, in contrast, generally provides less extensive coverage, with shorter protection periods and lower claim limits, making it less competitive in this aspect compared to its premium counterparts.
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How to Maximize Your Purchase Protection
Final Thoughts
Purchase protection can provide valuable peace of mind, especially for big-ticket items or when buying from unfamiliar sellers. When choosing a credit card, consider how this feature aligns with your shopping habits and lifestyle. Remember, the best card for you depends on various factors, including annual fees, rewards programs, and other benefits. By understanding and leveraging purchase protection alongside other credit card perks, you can shop with confidence and potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars if the unexpected occurs.
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